GAA News

Paddy O’Rourke may have gone but All-Ireland winning boss Joe Kernan won’t be replacing him in the Armagh hot seat.

Armagh’s Championship exit at the hands of Roscommon on Sunday brought an end to Paddy O’Rourke’s three-year stint in charge of the 2002 All-Ireland winners. In the wake of the defeat there was much talk about a malaise in Armagh football and immediately thoughts turned to the man who led them to their greatest day, Joe Kernan.

But Big Joe has told the Irish Independent that he won’t be donning the Bainisteoir bib again.

"I don't think it's a lifestyle I want to get back into. And anyway with sons still involved I think that would be a factor," he said.

Understandably, Kernan was upset at the early end to Armagh’s summer.

"There are good players in the county. We possibly need four or five more. But we have to get unity. We have to have everyone pulling in the same direction again," he said.

"We've worked too hard to pick ourselves up over the last two decades to allow things to slip back again. I hope whoever comes in will have full support."

It is speculated today that the person who will step in is Paul Grimley. Grimley was assistant to O’Rourke and he has volunteered to take the job for as long as is required, or as a caretaker.

It is also hinted by Grimley that he would effectively hold the job until another son of Armagh, Kieran McGeeney, was available. Grimley assisted Geezer manage Kildare for two years and he says he expects him, or another local like Aidan O’Rourke or Justin McNulty, to eventually take over the Armagh job when they finish with their current counties.

Depending on how the trip to Breffni Park goes, Geezer could be free very soon...